Helaman and the Two Thousand Young Warriors

The people of Ammon had promised God that they would never fight again. They lived near the Nephites, and the Nephites protected them. Alma 53:10–12

When the enemies of the people of Ammon attacked the Nephites, the people of Ammon wanted to break their promise and help the Nephites fight. Alma 53:13

Helaman and the other Nephite leaders did not want the people of Ammon to break their promise to God. Alma 53:14–15

The young sons of the people of Ammon had not made this promise. They wanted to help the Nephite army fight for freedom. Alma 53:16–17

Two thousand of these young men chose to help defend their country. They asked Helaman to be their leader. Alma 53:18–19

These young men were valiant, brave, and strong. They were also honest and trustworthy, and they kept the commandments of God. Alma 53:20–21

Helaman led his two thousand young warriors into battle. He called them his sons, and they called him father. Alma 53:22; Alma 56:46

Although the sons of Helaman had never fought, they were not afraid. Their mothers had taught them that if they had faith in God, He would help them. Alma 56:47–48

Helaman and his army fought several battles against the Lamanites. These young men obeyed all of Helaman’s commands. Alma 57:19–21

After they fought bravely and helped drive the enemy away, Helaman found that all his sons had been hurt but that not one of them had been killed. Alma 57:22, 25

It was a miracle. Helaman was very happy. He knew that these young men had been protected because of their great faith in God. Alma 57:26–27

Illustrated by Jerry Thompson